“Gone are the days of being a ‘print’ journalist or ‘broadcast’ journalist only,” said Kent Walls, assistant professor of journalism. “Now you must be a multimedia storyteller.” With plans to create a state-of-the-art integrated newsroom on West Campus, students will have a space, reflective of a professional journalistic environment, where print, audio, video, and web content is combined in strategic ways to ensure the best story production possible. “Our goal is for APU to be a leader and innovator in collegiate journalism,” said Walls.

APU journalism students develop necessary skills for working in this evolving industry. “APU provides me with incredible professors who have decades of real-world experience in journalism,” said Cynthia Arroyo, senior English/journalism major and editor-in-chief of ZU Magazine. “They genuinely care about my goals and strive to help me reach them.” After graduation, Arroyo plans to pursue an editorial position at a magazine.

Senior journalism major Toph Buzzard plays a key role at APU’s radio station, ZU Radio serving as the sports director since the second semester of his freshman year. “APU has proved pivotal in my growth as a journalist,” he said. “I've made incredible connections that will serve me well throughout my career. More importantly, my professors never shy away from sharing what God has done in their life. That far outweighs any career advice that I've ever received.”

APU graduates students equipped to make a difference in their field. Department of Communication Studies alumni hold positions at many prominent media organizations including ESPN, MSNBC, Golf Channel, LA Times, Sacramento Bee, and Washington Examiner. “The rebranding of our student news sources allows APU to continue our track record of excellence while educating and fostering high level storytellers across all content mediums,” said Walls. “APU students will hone their journalism skills while producing stories that matter.”

Posted: October 13, 2017

Rebekah Bruckner ’18 is a public relations intern in the Office of University Relations. She is a English major and a graphic design minor.